enough deductions and loopholes that only affect high-income individuals to avoid either raising the deficit or burdening the middle class. it's math. it's arithmetic. >> reporter: on medicare and social security, one agreement -- >> neither the president nor i are proposing any changes for any current retirees or near retirees. >> reporter: in ten years, romney wants a private medicare option. >> aarp has said that your plan would weaken medicare substantially. >> reporter: romney fired back in a major debate moment that the president weakened the economy by his focus on health care. >> i just don't know how the president could have come into office facing 23 million people out of work, rising unemployment and spend his energy and passion for two years fighting for obama care instead of fighting for jobs for the american people. >> we did work on this alongside working on jobs because this is part of making sure that middle class families are secure in this country. >> reporter: a substantial debate. no zingers. now come the polls to determine if romney got the gains he needs with voters. f